Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Ameca-Etzatlan type, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A hand-built pottery warrior figure of sizable form, standing tall upon lengthy feet, who brandishes a fragmentary club or spike in both hands. The padded waistband is adorned with zigzagging black stripes and is shown attached to the barrel armor above in 3 areas via raised bars around the waist, perhaps meant to emulate leather straps. Additional black pigment embellishes the cup-shaped helmet and emphasizes several of the facial features. Size: 9.75" L x 9.25" W x 17.1" H (24.8 cm x 23.5 cm x 43.4 cm)

West Mexican shaft tomb figures like this example derive their names from the central architectural feature that we know of from this culture. Jalisco, located on Mexico's southwestern coast, was part of the shaft tomb culture during this time, along with neighbors in nearby Colima and Nayarit. These people would build generally rectangular vertical or near-vertical shafts down from the ground level - usually about 3 to 20 meters deep - through tepetate, the volcanic tuff that makes up the geology of the region, to narrow horizontal tunnels that led to one or more vaulted or rounded burial chambers.

These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and seem to have been used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals. Figures like this one were placed into the tombs; researchers believe that they were placed around the edges facing inward, as if in conversation with the dead. Grouped with other figures, and alongside clay bowls, and boxes, figures this one were positioned around the body (or bodies) near the skull, and warriors like this example were meant as a means of spiritual protection from evil spirits.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, acquired Heritage Auction, Lot 1250, June 25, 2019; ex-Heritage Auction, Dallas, Texas, USA; ex-private collection

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#170722

Professional repair and restoration in some areas. Loss to lower section of club as shown, with fading to pigment, abrasions and nicks, and some spalls and earthen deposits. Great size and presentation. Modern felt pad beneath each foot.